Place names commemorating Hadrian – an attempt to approximate the scale of the phenomenon

According to Historia Augusta (Vita Hadriani 20, 4), many cities in the Roman Empire were named Hadrianopolis after emperor Hadrian. The aim of this article is approximate number places Hadrian not only Hadrianopoleis mentioned. Cities emperors commemorate rulers’ role as founders or benefactors localities. This practice deserves special attention. extent which had been commemorated place names has researched extensively date, but and towns possibly was relatively high. exact localities cannot be determined based on historical sources for a reasons, discussed examples such Turris Tamalleni Bisica Lucana. However, regardless these difficulties, research suggests that could have up 15 colonies, 19 municipalities (municipia), 4 most likely colonies municipalities, 43 other (mainly peregrine towns), gives total more than 80 (the whose should distinguished from those founded by Hadrian). In article, classified their legal status are presented tables. Particular attention paid controversies surrounding some thought (such colonial titulature Avennio, modern-day Avignon). estimated indicates toponyms may played significant shaping emperor’s public image.